Simulation Model Development of a Subscale Fighter Demonstrator : Aerodynamic Database Generation and Propulsion Modeling

Abstract: The main objective of this thesis was to improve the simulation model of a subscale fighter demonstratorthat had been developed previously. In order to give a reliable result, the simulation model should be modeled correctly and employ accurate input. To fulfill this objective two approaches was performed, the first was by providing the aerodynamic derivatives database in order to be implemented  in the simulation model, and the second process is to improve the propulsion module of the  simulation model. The aerodynamic database was generated by several VLM and panel  method software, namely Tornado, VSPAero and XFLR5, which uses subscale fighter  demonstrator called Generic Future Fighter  (GFF) as the aircraft model. The results from  different methods and software were then compared first before it was implemented to the  simulation model. The second process includesenhancing the propulsion model and implementation of the aerodynamic database.The propulsion model enhancement covers the improvement of thrust modeling and development of fuel consumption model. Additionally, the aerodynamic database implementation was executed by connecting the  external sets of the database into the simulation  model automatically. The verification process  was performed by comparing the result of the simulation model against recorded flight data, also by comparing the improved and the  previous simulation model result to see the effect of improvement that was carried out. Using the improved model of engine thrust and fuel consumption model, the propulsion module can produce a reliable outcome of forces and   moments computation. Moreover, theimplementation of the aerodynamic database  also gives a significant improvement in the simulation model result.